Saginaw has been without a full chief for about three years, and Van Loo has served as acting chief for almost a year. In that regard, similar to the soon-to-depart Police Chief Brian Lipe, the city has had a chance to test drive this new fire chief before committing to him.

Van Loo has proven more than capable for the department's top spot and won it fair and square after going through the interview and hiring process.

He earned that job, and we look forward to what he brings to the table.

City Manager Tim Morales said the fire department over the past year, with Van Loo in temporary charge, has put a new fire engine in service without increasing the department's budget, reduced overtime by about 50 percent and has been participating in Neighborhood Association meetings.

We have every reason to believe the new fire chief will continue moving the department along that path, innovating and improving relations in the Saginaw community.

In the meantime, across Genesee at 612 Federal, we wish Lipe well in his new gig starting next month as Grand Blanc's top cop. Lipe helped take Saginaw in a good direction during his short tenure as interim police chief, from July 2012 until May 2013, and since then as chief. While the change in departments may be good for him and his family connections in Genesee County, we are certainly not glad to see him leave.

Now that Saginaw is in search of yet another new police chief, we urge citizens to be engaged throughout that hiring process. The importance of your involvement is underscored by Morales' plans to create a community panel to help interview the police chief candidates.

We've heard likely candidates already suggested — like former Undersheriff Robert Karl and former Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker. But perhaps this search, too, will give a nod toward yet another sound internal candidate and a chance for another test drive before commitment.

Whatever the case, Saginaw residents should be involved every step of the way to help bring the best candidate to the top police spot and continue moving Saginaw down that right path.